BTW: I realized my grammar sucks and my run ons are out of control but hopefully it'll be getting better.

RECAP: Sakura's birthday party is going awkward. Sasuke confesses his love for Naruto infront of Sakura explaining the rape she like half forgives him for now like theyre not friends again but she can be around him. Then sakura goes back into the restaurant where the birthday partay is taking place and Sasuke kissesNaruto again and Gaara sees 0_o

Gaara was sobbing into Naruto's shirt. Naruto continued to kiss and cradle his head. Gaara's feelings shifted from sadness and shock to sadness and anger. He was still crying violently. He didn't even know who he was mad at but he felt the anger grow for Naruto. He started pushing him away and hitting at his chest trying to get him off. When he finally did he fled the scene and went to get his clothes from Naruto's. Naruto turned to Sasuke. Sasuke looked worried but Naruto didn't care. He slapped him with all the force he had. It was so hard it was audible to the people in the restaurant.

"Sasuke you go back in there and make and excuse for me and Gaara. Don't ever try something like that again."

"Naruto I lov-"

"SHUT UP! It's too late now...it's funny I used to have a crush on you. Now all I feel toward you is anger, I can barely stand to be around you anymore. Now go in there and make and excuse. If all goes well we'll be back before the party's over."

With that Naruto was off to get Gaara. Sasuke walked into the restaurant his head held low. His face was red and his lip was cut. Everyone had heard a hit but had no idea it was on Sasuke's face. Sakura paid no mind to it, Kakashi was growing worried, the remainder noticed but didn't say anything. Sasuke told them the excuse he'd come up with.

"Naruto and Gaara were summoned by Lady Tsunade to fill in the visitation paperwork for Gaara...they'll be back soon..."

Sasuke tried his best to keep his face hidden but because he'd been hit on the right side of his face, the marks were facing the whole table. Just about the whole gang ignored it, they could all see he didn't want to talk about it. Unfortunately not all of the guests could see that. Ino took it upon herself to butt in.

"Sasuke! What happened to your gorgeous face?"

"I don't wanna talk about it Ino...I'm gonna go clean up."

"Let me come with you Sasuke.."

"Leave me alone Ino..."

Sakura snickered at this. She loved seeing Ino get shot down no matter who did it.

"Heh looks like you repelled all men, uh Ino?"

"SHUT UP! He just wants some privacy...he doesn't want you there either so there."

"Oh yeah? Watch this..."

With that Sakura got up and followed Sasuke. She may have sounded petty but she needed to make up a reason to follow Sasuke. She still needed to talk to him. She found him in the men's room, crying. She couldn't help but notice how Sasuke cried very often now a days. He had his head down and hadn't noticed her presence. She walked over and put her hands on his shoulders. This startled him and made him forcibly stop his tears.

"Sasuke, I know that slap didn't hurt that bad, what's wrong?"

Sakura wet a washcloth that were available for drying your hands, she then motioned him to sit on the counter and helped him up. She started dabbing the slight traces of blood from his face. The cold water felt good on his definite bruise and it also helped to calm him down. Not to mention the natural motherly touch Sakura had with him and Naruto.

"I went for it again...I kissed him...that's why he slapped me...I really do love him Sakura...I can't stand to see him with Gaara...sorry I don't think you really care...I-I'm really sorry...I know it's definitely not enough but I-I don't know how to make it up to you..."

"Sasuke...I don't know what to tell you...the man you love is taken...I know it's hard but you'll get over him or he'll reciprocate those feelings...which ever happens first is what was meant to happen between you two...I love you and you love Naruto...it sucks but because I love you I don't stop you..."

"How can you still love me Sakura...after what I did..."

"You can't help who you love Sasuke...Naruto loves Gaara, you love Naruto and I love you...I know I probably shouldn't and Naruto would kill me if he found out but, I've never been able to shake it...of course I'd never act on those feelings now..."

"Sakura thank you for that...Happy birthday..."

"Heh...thanks Sasuke...speakin' of which what'd ya get me?"

"You'll have to wait 'til after dinner...hey shouldn't Ino be throwing a fit right now?"

"I hope she is! Did ya hear the way she tried to get you talking? SHEESH! She can be real annoying...ah great I hear her yelling at someone...I bet she'll be storming in here any second to make for of me mothering you...urgh why can't she just keep a lid on it sometimes..."

"Sakura, as my second present to you I give you permission to make Ino jealous. Kiss me when she walks in."

"Heh after all this I really don't think I need permission."

Sasuke giggled awkwardly and Sakura kept the healing up on his face. Sakura heard Ino babbling on about something as she walked towards the men's room. Sakura had almost forgotten about making her jealous, something she knew she'd probably already done. Just as she walked in Sasuke grabbed Sakura's face and kissed her. Sakura assumed the kiss's only purpose was to make Ino mad. It did it's job, Ino saw the two kissing and turned so red she was blue. She was about to start yelling.

"SAKURAAAAAA! WHAT ARE YOU DOING WITH MY SASUKE!"

The two pretended not to notice she was there. Sakura pulled back.

"Oh Ino!, How embarrassing!"

Sasuke and Sakura were doing their best to hold in laughs, Sakura was very good at hiding sarcasm. Ino nearly exploded when Sasuke went in for a second kiss.

"Sasuke you don't have to pity kiss that fat Sakura just because it's her birthday..."

"Ino, Sakura is actually the one giving me a pity kiss...she's turned me down so many times...I'd die without her..."

Sakura was about to burst out laughing, she was very surprised at Sasuke's improvisations but they made the moment that much more satisfying. Ino stormed out as twice as mad as she'd ever been before.

"Wow, this is the best birthday I've ever had, and I applaud you on your ability to improvise so efficiently."

"Well I think you're a little modest, that was quite the kiss."

Sakura blushed and so did Sasuke.

"...Well I was trying to be convincing..heh.."

"...sorry if that...made you more..."

" more what...? In love with you...?"

"...yeah..."

"It might've...again you don't love me you love Naruto...I promise to never bring it up again..."

"Well I don't want you to just shove your feelings down like that..."

"Then what do you want me to do?"

"...I don't know...I wish I loved you instead..."

"You don't mean that...please don't mock me like that..."

Sakura was trying to walk out calmly and hold back a small amount of tears. Sasuke caught her by the arm.